Since 2001 the families of our military have been burdened with deployment after deployment. The activation of the National Guard is unprecedented today. Not since WWII has the National Guard been routinely deployed as they have been since 2001 to help fight the war on terror. This is our familiy's story from a civilian life to an active military life. Keeping the marriage and family together is the best defense in maintaining a strong military. Every family is unique as they begin this "new normal," learning to survive the deployment and aftermath of a life that is hardly recognizable anymore. As much as this is our story, it's also our rehabilitation back into civilian life, returning to a community that has little understanding of what faces the civilian soldier and their family.